Faderfox Versus Ableton tutorial – connect, setup & midi map

Faderfox’s Versus is an exceptionally flexible midi controller and is a powerful tool when is used with Ableton Live. This midi controller has a plethora of features, making it perfect for Ableton Live.

This tutorial will explain all you need to know on using the Faderfox Versus with Ableton Live. This includes connecting, setting up and midi mapping the Versus.

Article Contents

Does the Faderfox Versus work with Ableton Live?
Does the Faderfox Versus come with ableton Live included?
How to connect the Versus to ableton
How to midi map the Faderfox Versus in Ableton Live
The Limitations of midi mapping the Versus
Why can’t I hear my Push in Ableton Live?

Does the Faderfox Versus work with Ableton Live?

In a nutshell, the Faderfox Versus is able to work fully with Ableton Live.

Although Ableton Live does not come with a MIDI remote script, the Versus can still be mapped to many of the software’s functions.

All versions of Ableton Live, from Intro to Suite, are able to be utilized in collaboration with any equipment that sends MIDI data. This is applicable to all releases of Live, such as 9, 10, and 11. As the Versus is a MIDI enabled tool, it will be completely compatible with Ableton Live.

Creating your own midi mappings in Ableton is simple, and gives you the ability to control a variety of Ableton Live’s components with your Versus.

Does the Faderfox Versus come with ableton Live included?

The Versus doesn’t come with a copy of Ableton Live Lite, so this would need to be purchased separately.

There are three main versions of Ableton Live: Intro, Standard and Suite. Even though Intro and Standard are both effective, Suite offers a lot more, including 70GB of library sounds, compared to Standard’s 10GB.

If you’re looking to make sure you have the full range of Audio and MIDI effects, we suggest you go with Ableton Live Suite, as it has far more than the Standard edition.

How to connect the Versus to ableton

Connecting the Faderfox Versus with Ableton Live is pretty simple, and when the two are linked you’ll be able to adjust the software’s parameters from your midi controller.

1. Connect the Versus to your computer via USB.
First, connect the USB cable to both the Versus and your computer.
2. Launch Ableton Live and open the MIDI preferences.
Double click the Ableton Live icon to launch the software. Then, in the top menu of Ableton, go to the Preferences menu by opening the ‘Live’ menu and clicking ‘Preferences’.
3. Select the Versus from the list of available devices.
Click the the MIDI Sync tab, make sure that Input and Output for the Versus are checked.
4. Ensure that the proper ‘Track’, ‘Remote’ and ‘Sync’ boxes are checked for both input and output.

Track: When checked, this allows MIDI notes and CC messages to be sent/received.
Sync: This option enables MIDI clock syncing between Ableton live and the external device.
Remote: Allows external MIDI controllers to remotely control parameters within Ableton Live.

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In the ‘MIDI’ section of this tab, make sure the ‘Track’ and ‘Remote’ boxes are checked for both the Input and Output of the Versus (Sync can also be optionally checked).

Set up of the Versus with Ableton Live is now complete.

How to midi map the akai mpk mini in Ableton Live

After linking up the Faderfox Versus to Ableton Live using the steps provided, you can now assign the physical buttons, pads, keys etc on the device to specific functions within Ableton Live via MIDI mapping as follows:

1. Select the MIDI Map Mode button in the top right corner of the Live window. The button should turn orange, indicating that the MIDI Map Mode is enabled.
2. Select the parameter you wish to control in Ableton by clicking it with the cursor, the parameter will become highlighted.
3. Move a control on the Versus, such as a knob or fader.
4. The parameter you selected is now mapped to the physical control which you moved on the Versus.
5. Moving the physical control on your Versus will now move the position of the corresponding parameter in Ableton.
6. Repeat steps 2 – 4 for any other parameters you wish to map.
7. When you’re finished mapping, press the MIDI Map Mode button again to disable it.

The Limitations of midi mapping the Versus

Ableton’s midi mapping system provides a great way to quickly map your Versus, there are however, some limitations to be aware of…

Saving your Versus Midi Mappings is cumbersome

Be aware that when saving your mappings, they will be stored with the Ableton session. Therefore, starting a new session will require you to re-map your controls.

Ableton MIDI mappings are one-to-one

A one-to-one MIDI mapping means that each control on your Versus can only be assigned to a single Ableton Live parameter.

Limited Ableton parameter options to map to

When using Ableton’s internal midi mapping mode, unfortunately now all options are available, controls such as selected track and selected device control aren’t currently possible. View a full list of Ableton midi mapping options here.

We have a great solution to these problems

If you’re looking to get the most out of your Versus, our Ableton Midi Script Creator tool ‘Control Surface Studio‘ is exactly what you need!
With it, you’ll be able to:
– save and re-use your Versus’s mappings across all of your Ableton Live sessions,
– map multiple Ableton parameters to a single control on your Versus,
– access many more Ableton parameter controls for your Versus, than Live’s internal midi mapping mode allows.

Learn more about Control Surface Studio and see how it can help you by clicking here!

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Why can’t I hear my Versus in Ableton Live?

There are several possible causes:
1. Make sure that the Versus is connected properly to your computer via USB and that the cable is not damaged.
2. Make sure that the Versus is selected as your audio input and output device in your audio settings.
3. Make sure that the correct driver is installed for the Versus.
4. Make sure that the Versus is selected as the input device in Ableton’s MIDI Preferences.